Mesothelioma

Irene Cass (80), the wife of a former London County Council worker whose husband died after being exposed to asbestos at work is asking witnesses to come forward to help with her claim against his former employer, London County Council later known as Greater London Council.

Mr Roger Cass, originally from West Hampstead area of London, died aged 77 on 21 March 2006 from mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos related lung disease. Mr Cass is thought to have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibres whilst working as an Architect in the housing division and then later for The Technical Information Group (TIG) and the Technical Support Unit (TSU) with London County Council (LCC) from 1955 to 1986.

During his employment, Mr Cass was required to work closely with private architects, surveyors and engineers and was required to go into buildings which were in the process of demolition or structural alteration. It is believed that it was during these visits that he was exposed to asbestos, one such building included the Elgin Estate in the City of Westminster, where Mr Cass was involved in overseeing and organising the removal of defective cladding which contained asbestos.

Irene Cass, Roger's wife said: "Following the diagnosis of mesothelioma, Roger's condition deteriorated rapidly. He became anxious and worried and during the last months leading up to his death Roger suffered weight loss. He also became extremely frustrated at the acceleration of his illness and his inability to do things. He passed away in March 2006 and will be missed dearly."

Tariq Khan from Irwin Mitchell who is representing Mrs Cass said: "We would like to hear from anyone who worked at the Elgin Estate for London County Council and remembers working in areas that were contaminated with asbestos. Mr Cass was exposed to asbestos during his time working for London County Council, now known as the Greater London Council (GLC) and we are appealing for help from former LCC (GLC) employees."

"Over two thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It does not respond well to treatment, and treatment options are limited. Employers have a duty to take precautions with asbestos. There is no safe type of asbestos, and no safe level of asbestos exposure."

Anyone able to help in this matter can contact Tariq Khan at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or Tariq.Khan@IrwinMitchell.com.